Optimizing Anchor Drilling with Depth Estimation

Based on Patent Research | CN-115082548-A (2022)

Manual anchor drilling poses persistent challenges in mining, being labor-intensive, inefficient, and unsafe. Traditional manual methods result in low productivity and expose workers to inherent hazards. Computer vision's depth estimation capability directly addresses this by precisely determining the 3D coordinates required for drilling operations. This spatial information enables automated drilling robots to achieve enhanced accuracy. This improves operational efficiency and increases worker safety during critical mining tasks.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

Advancing Beyond Manual Drilling

In mining and quarrying, precise anchor drilling is critical yet challenging. Depth Estimation, a computer vision technology, directly addresses issues like manual inefficiency and safety concerns. This capability utilizes binocular vision systems, similar to human eyes, to capture multiple images of a drilling site. Algorithms then process these visual inputs to construct a detailed 3D map, precisely determining the spatial coordinates of target points. This spatial information is the crucial output, guiding automated drilling robots for enhanced accuracy and consistency.

This technological approach enables significant automation of drilling operations, reducing the need for human presence in hazardous zones. Depth Estimation systems can integrate with existing robotic drilling platforms, providing real-time spatial intelligence without extensive overhauls. For instance, imagine a drilling robot 'seeing' the exact rock face and anchor point, much like a surveyor precisely marking a critical structural location, but continuously and autonomously. This leads to substantial operational improvements, optimizing resource use and elevating overall safety standards across mining sites, ushering in a new era of precision and security.

HOW IT WORKS

Processing Scans for Precise Depth

Capturing Site Imagery

Binocular vision systems, mimicking human sight, capture multiple high-resolution images of the rock face and drilling area. These images provide the essential raw visual data required to understand the complex environment. This initial step precisely gathers crucial environmental context, preparing for detailed spatial analysis.

Processing Visual Data for Depth

Advanced computer vision algorithms process the captured stereo images to perform precise depth estimation. By analyzing the visual inputs from different perspectives, the system constructs a detailed three-dimensional map of the entire drilling site. This map accurately identifies the exact spatial coordinates of all target anchor points.

Guiding Automated Drilling Robots

The precise 3D spatial information, including specific target coordinates, is then transmitted directly to automated drilling robots. This critical guidance enables robots to position and operate with exceptional accuracy and consistency for anchor drilling. The system thus ensures safer, more efficient, and highly precise operations in challenging mining environments.

Potential Benefits

Boosted Worker Safety

By automating anchor drilling with precise 3D spatial guidance, this system significantly reduces the need for human presence in hazardous mining zones. This minimizes worker exposure to dangerous environments and potential accidents.

Streamlined Drilling Operations

Automated drilling, guided by accurate depth estimation, dramatically increases productivity and reduces manual labor requirements. This leads to faster task completion and more consistent output across mining sites.

Unmatched Drilling Accuracy

Depth Estimation provides exact 3D coordinates for anchor points, ensuring highly accurate and consistent drilling. This precision improves structural integrity and the reliability of critical mining infrastructure.

Minimized Material Waste

Precise automated drilling reduces errors and the need for rework, thereby optimizing the use of drilling materials and energy. This contributes to more cost-effective and sustainable mining practices.

Implementation

1 Install Vision Hardware. Mount binocular camera systems on drilling robots or site infrastructure, ensuring robust power and network.

2 Calibrate Vision System. Calibrate cameras and align vision data with robot coordinates for precise 3D spatial mapping.

3 Configure AI Software. Set up depth estimation algorithms and integrate with robot control, defining target identification parameters.

4 Integrate and Test. Connect vision output to the drilling platform. Conduct field trials to validate accuracy and operational safety.

Source: Analysis based on Patent CN-115082548-A "Anchor drilling hole automatic positioning system and method based on binocular vision" (Filed: September 2022).